Oracle Decks - Are there any that are ORIGINAL?

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

Oracle Decks

 

I am not talking about the artwork, but the deck itself.

 

I find too many are the same old same old.  Different face - same message.

 

Like these words seem to be in most Oracles: Guidance, Empowerment, Insight, Love, Communication, Spiritual, Growth, Kindness, Faith, Deception, Nurture etc etc etc.

 

With the exception of Froud and the Psycards. I feel these really are in a league of their own.

 

But how many decks need to be put out there with the sameness in them?. Is it really vital that a new one has similar words like the last 10-100 that were made?

 

 

The question is - are there Oracles out there that are really unique or original?.

 

 

DND X/

[Starlight]

I've found the Les Vampires oracle cards by Lucy Cavendish were quite original in that the card meanings in the guidebook go a whole lot deeper and in a unique direction than the keywords on the cards suggest at first glance.

 

I'm not quite sure what made me buy the deck because it's not a style of artwork that I'm usually attracted to (gorgeous though it is), not is it the type of energy I am usually drawn to, but I have to say that I found the Les Vampires oracle had a lot more depth than other oracle decks I have. It was a very no-nonsense type of deck and not at all spooky or gory.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

 

Always wanted to get a Lucy Cavendish deck or two - just never got around to doing it.

I think I will revisit the idea and take a look at Les Vampires as well as what else she has out there. I think there has to be more than the same old words on decks no matter how great the artwork is.

 

Looking now at Lucy Cavendish...

 

Thanks!  :thumbsup:

 

DND X/

 

 

 

I've found the Les Vampires oracle cards by Lucy Cavendish were quite original in that the card meanings in the guidebook go a whole lot deeper and in a unique direction than the keywords on the cards suggest at first glance.

 

I'm not quite sure what made me buy the deck because it's not a style of artwork that I'm usually attracted to (gorgeous though it is), not is it the type of energy I am usually drawn to, but I have to say that I found the Les Vampires oracle had a lot more depth than other oracle decks I have. It was a very no-nonsense type of deck and not at all spooky or gory.

[Jewel]

I really like the Oracle of the Dragonfae by Lucy Cavendish and find it to be original.  The guidebook is nice as well.  The other one I would recommend, though it is expensive and OOP is the Victorian Flower Oracle by Magic Realist Press.  That one is very original and nothing to do with the typical oracle messages.  It is based on the Victorian language of flowers.  The book that comes with it is excellent.

[Raggydoll]

I have found that independently published decks generally seem to have more original keywords. But there are some mass produced ones that feel original too - like Laura Bowen’s two decks (“Dreamtime Reading Cards” and “Saltwater Reading Cards”).

[RavenOfSummer]

Perhaps the Halloween Oracle? (One of my favorite decks!)

 

What about an oracle that has no keywords at all on the cards? For example the Devas of Creation? Would that be of interest to you?

 

I think like Raggydoll said that a lot of indie oracles have unusual keywords. A couple I love are the Universal Mind Oracle and the Illuminated Earth Oracle.

 

I don't have it, but the indie Black Mirror Oracle also seems really unique. It can't be often you get a keyword like Putrefication :)

 

I also just want to add though, that I know what you're saying with your question, but at the same time I don't think that decks that have similar keywords are necessarily UNoriginal. Some may be, but I think many still succeed beautifully in synthesizing a really unique perspective or theme in the deck, have incredibly unique artwork that will speak to users in a way that no other deck will, etc. So I wanted to chime in but also to say that I would not generalize or put other decks down. But if you are looking for decks that really set themselves apart, maybe explore the various indie oracles as opposed to the mass market ones.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

 

I was eyeing up her Dragonfae and wondering. Good to know someone has it and would recommend it. The 2nd one kind of rings a bell from AT days. I might have to look it up.

 

Appreciated!  :biggrin:

 

DND :thumbsup:

 

 

I really like the Oracle of the Dragonfae by Lucy Cavendish and find it to be original.  The guidebook is nice as well.  The other one I would recommend, though it is expensive and OOP is the Victorian Flower Oracle by Magic Realist Press.  That one is very original and nothing to do with the typical oracle messages.  It is based on the Victorian language of flowers.  The book that comes with it is excellent.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

I will look her up tomorrow night when I get home. I like the sound of the titles alone!

 

Thanks! :biggrin:

 

DND :thumbsup:

 

I have found that independently published decks generally seem to have more original keywords. But there are some mass produced ones that feel original too - like Laura Bowen’s two decks (“Dreamtime Reading Cards” and “Saltwater Reading Cards”).

[GreatDane]

Interesting topic, DND!

 

The only oracle deck I have used were Psycards.

 

I have always thought of most oracle decks as original, in that they didn't have to follow tarot, Lenormand, but could go off on their path, but I now see your point.

 

Enjoying reading what others are saying re oracle decks! 

[Jewel]

I was eyeing up her Dragonfae and wondering. Good to know someone has it and would recommend it. The 2nd one kind of rings a bell from AT days. I might have to look it up.

When I work with the Dragonfae I always find myself digging into other subjects (crystals, sacred geometry, animals, myths, faeries, etc.)  The art is by different artists, which typically is not my thing, but with this deck it just works so well.  I have had this deck since it was gifted to me when it was published and I still use it to this day.  Not like, but in a similar manner, it comes alive like the Froud Faeries deck.  I find the Dragonfae to be guides and teachers (hence why end up exploring all others kings of things).  I have several of Lucy's decks, but the Dragonfae in my opinion is in a class all of its own.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

I think I have that if it is by a Stephanie someone.

 

I remember using it for Halloween on AT years ago and I packed it up with some Halloween stuff so as to keep it with that theme - so it is there in a box somewhere. I know so - as it is not with any of my other decks.

 

I should keep in mind Indie decks and I will be looking at what you have written when home.

 

No words and using intuition is absolutely fine if that is what that kind of Oracle is about. That would be like the Soul Cards which I do like and that way of reading them.

 

Thanks for the link and suggestions.  :thumbsup:

 

 

DND X/

 

Perhaps the Halloween Oracle? (One of my favorite decks!)

 

What about an oracle that has no keywords at all on the cards? For example the Devas of Creation? Would that be of interest to you?

 

I think like Raggydoll said that a lot of indie oracles have unusual keywords. A couple I love are the Universal Mind Oracle and the Illuminated Earth Oracle.

 

I don't have it, but the indie Black Mirror Oracle also seems really unique. It can't be often you get a keyword like Putrefication :)

 

I also just want to add though, that I know what you're saying with your question, but at the same time I don't think that decks that have similar keywords are necessarily UNoriginal. Some may be, but I think many still succeed beautifully in synthesizing a really unique perspective or theme in the deck, have incredibly unique artwork that will speak to users in a way that no other deck will, etc. So I wanted to chime in but also to say that I would not generalize or put other decks down. But if you are looking for decks that really set themselves apart, maybe explore the various indie oracles as opposed to the mass market ones.

[Jewel]

You might also look into Pathway to the Soul Oracle which is done with fractal art, and the Luman deck  :biggrin:

[DownUnderNZer]

 

I did look at a number of her decks and to be honest that one stuck out and one other even more than the Les Vampires - maybe because the people images are more realistic. I do like her cutesie characters though and have always liked them, so...maybe one of them and the DragonFae.

 

I like this: "Class of its own".

 

Neat! And thanks again.

 

DND X/

 

 

PS Another deck to investigate when I am home tomorrow night "Pathway to the Soul Oracle". It sounds like something that would be up my alley for some reason with just the title. :biggrin:

 

I was eyeing up her Dragonfae and wondering. Good to know someone has it and would recommend it. The 2nd one kind of rings a bell from AT days. I might have to look it up.

When I work with the Dragonfae I always find myself digging into other subjects (crystals, sacred geometry, animals, myths, faeries, etc.)  The art is by different artists, which typically is not my thing, but with this deck it just works so well.  I have had this deck since it was gifted to me when it was published and I still use it to this day.  Not like, but in a similar manner, it comes alive like the Froud Faeries deck.  I find the Dragonfae to be guides and teachers (hence why end up exploring all others kings of things).  I have several of Lucy's decks, but the Dragonfae in my opinion is in a class all of its own.

[AJ-ish/Sharyn]

there are a number of flower oracles, nothing new there.

Cavendish art all looks the same, like the Dondi art of the 60's.

(I think I'm taking umbrage at the idea there are no different oracles, pardon my pinched face)

The thought behind the often seen keywords is they are common across time and culture, just like tarot keywords. What we make of them is what makes the difference, we aren't bound by the strictures of tarot.. And the fact that we like buying new decks....

 

my eggs-pression, Pictish, LoJong, Elements of Recovery all present a new eye-view to me. Beverly King artist and publisher. https://bythesycamoretree.blogspot.com/

her daughters druidsticks is another idea.

Have you tried I Ching?

Feng Shui?

Astrology, lots of oracle decks there.

Pure numerology?

Don't know how to spell it but plyligorian oracle?

Falnama Oracle Cards

Chinese Oracle Script?

Oracle of the Dreamtime: Donni Hakanson?

Moon Oracle smith/astrop?

Tea Leaf oracle, hepburn?

Shell oracle, hanson

Do they have to be decks?

Button oracle

how about those junk oracles that were so cool at AT?

Bones?

Crowstones?

[TheLittleJackal]

I'm looking forward to the Pathfinder Oracle by skullgarden, the Kickstarter for which goes live tomorrow. I don't know how the meanings in the book go (which I assume you could chuck aside anyway) but it has cards like Fox, Cicada, Door, what looks to be Desert (hard to make out from the preview pictures), and one with a double-headed bison. Each card can be read Positive, Negative, Active, or Passive, depending which way it comes up in a reading.

 

I realise the full preview isn't out yet, but it's looking pretty different so far!

[Saturn Celeste]

Ok, some of my favorite oracle decks that don't have the same ole same ole:

 

Angelarium - No Doreen Virtue with this deck - There are Enochian angels

https://www.angelarium.net/

 

Botanical Inspirations - keywords are not that uncommon but it is the quotes that go with the cards that is the inspiration.  It's a lovely deck.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/botanical-inspirations/

 

Celtic Tree Oracle a deck based on Celtic Runes - no sentiments on the cards

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/celtic-tree-oracle/

 

Crystal Wisdom Healing Oracle -this has no meanings either, it's based on the properties of the crystals

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/crystal-wisdom-healing-oracle/

 

Daemon Tarot is a deck of demons that all come with cautions and warnings.  It's actually a fascinating deck. 

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/daemon/

 

Faerie Enchantments Oracle - this deck is about fairies but there is no sweetness about this deck.  The meanings are on the backs of each card and they really hit home.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/faerie-enchantments-oracle/

 

Greek Mythology Reading Cards - I actually love this deck and use it for male clients. 

https://www.amazon.com/Greek-Mythology-Reading-Alison-Chester-Lambert/dp/184409748X

 

Oracle of Mystical Moments - not your usual oracle deck.  This does not have one word meanings but thoughts.  I love this deck.

https://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Mystical-Moments-Catrin-Well-Stein/dp/1572819200

 

Oracle of Rama - this is a really interesting deck,  you use a couple of cards that hold keys for you to find on the cards and use the special meanings that go with the Hindu gods.

https://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Rama-Dr-David-Frawley/dp/1932771298

 

Supra Oracle - this is a deck based on Jungian psychology.  Still new to me but I'm breaking it in.

https://uusi.us/collections/viewall/products/supra-oracle?variant=41973557064

 

Tao Oracle - a must have!!!

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/tao-oracle/

 

Whispers of Lord Ganesha - This deck does have one word meanings but they are not like most oracle decks.  It is the images and Ganesha himself that really brings this deck home.  It's a very different energy than most oracle decks.  It is the only deck I will use to read myself.

https://blueangelonline.com/whispers_of_lord_ganesha.html

 

Wild Kuan Yin - This deck does not have same old same old meanings like other oracles.  It has very different meanings but another thing this deck offers is stunning visuals.  The book is a little on the new agey side but it gives  you details and backgrounds of the images to it's important. 

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/wild-kuan-yin-oracle/

 

I hope this gives you more of a sense of what is out there for oracles.  I have all my oracle decks linked on my portfolio page if you want to use it to conveniently see all of my oracle decks.

https://www.saturnreadstarot.com/portfolio

 

[Styx]

I was about to recommend the Angelarium, but was ninja-ed by Saturn Celeste. :thumbsup: Unusual to the point of being a tad unsettling, perhaps? I bought it for the gorgeous artwork, but I must say that I've used it for fiction-writing rather than for meditation.

 

Have you looked at the Journey of Love Oracle? The title certainly looks like the thing you seem to have had enough of  ;) but I find the semi-abstract artwork quite inspiring and the keywords deeply interesting. I think I got that deck mainly because there is a card called "the space between the words", which spoke to me on so many levels (and certainly not only the things left unsaid in relationships, but also the beauty that cannot be told, the silences that give shape to music itself, etc). I do like Alana Fairchild's writing, generally speaking.

[DanielJUK]

There are some original oracles but they tend to not be available in mass market places because they tend to be mass market generic "themed" oracles. I have started to be really repelled by them DNDer! There are some wonderful oracles from small publishers and self published but you have to find them.

 

I do like the Psycards as you know and it's really different to anything else. I also would recommend Les Vampires, like Starlight[/member] suggested. I have to say it's not my style or normal artwork theme to buy at all and they have very large eyes almost like Japanese anime. But I bought it on a whim some years ago and love it more than I thought I would and it's something different!

 

My recommendation is the a'ha oracle by linnie[/member] who used to be on AT. She dreamt of all the cards and they are from her intuition. They are fascinating, each is a mandala and some are in colour and some are in black and white and it really works out well. Each card just has a number at the bottom and you can read it intuitively or read a lot of text about it in the accompanying book. It's my fave oracle for spiritual matters and it's an original oracle, it's for insight in anything! You can get it from her own page here and this is the AT review of it here. That is my recommendation and she is in Oz, so will be cheaper than for me getting it across the world to here  :biggrin: :thumbsup:

[DownUnderNZer]

Thanks - Appreciated!

 

On my phone, but will go back through this later tonight.

 

Thanks everyone for bringing forward Oracles you have found to be original. That is exactly what I am looking for and now there are decent options.

 

DND X/

[bookshop]

Just hopping in to say thanks for the mention of the Daemon Tarot. I bought it a while back and was then super disappointed to realize it wasn't actually a traditional tarot deck. Until I joined this forum I basically thought of it as like a set of flash cards or trading cards if you will, useful for learning about demons, but not much else. And then I got here and saw several of you guys using them along with your other decks. Any suggestions on how to get the most out of them, Saturn Celeste[/member] ?

[2dogs]

The James Wanless Sustain Yourself cards are quite unusual, nature based and there are 101 of them in the deck.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

More...

 

I forgot it is Friday today.

 

I have the whole weekend to look and work out what appeals to me or not.

 

And as it is thunderstorming right now - no way I will be venturing out! I might have to turn the PC off for a bit and prepare for power cuts, but at least I can take the time to look at what is suggested.

 

Thanks again everyone! Want to start on this in a bit...

 

 

DND X/

[DownUnderNZer]

 

RavenOfSummer

 

The Black Mirror Oracle is truly spectacular - not too sure about the Devas one though.

 

But the BM one is AAA+++

 

DND :thumbsup:

 

Perhaps the Halloween Oracle? (One of my favorite decks!)

 

What about an oracle that has no keywords at all on the cards? For example the Devas of Creation? Would that be of interest to you?

 

I think like Raggydoll said that a lot of indie oracles have unusual keywords. A couple I love are the Universal Mind Oracle and the Illuminated Earth Oracle.

 

I don't have it, but the indie Black Mirror Oracle also seems really unique. It can't be often you get a keyword like Putrefication :)

 

I also just want to add though, that I know what you're saying with your question, but at the same time I don't think that decks that have similar keywords are necessarily UNoriginal. Some may be, but I think many still succeed beautifully in synthesizing a really unique perspective or theme in the deck, have incredibly unique artwork that will speak to users in a way that no other deck will, etc. So I wanted to chime in but also to say that I would not generalize or put other decks down. But if you are looking for decks that really set themselves apart, maybe explore the various indie oracles as opposed to the mass market ones.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

Pathway to the Soul Oracle

 

Jewel - I do like this deck as well. No words that I could see from what I found and very visually potent. A lot to work with there if intuitively.

 

Thanks!

 

DND :thumbsup:

 

 

You might also look into Pathway to the Soul Oracle which is done with fractal art, and the Luman deck  :biggrin:

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

AJ-ish/Sharyn

 

Lots to look through with your post and I may have to dedicate one of the next two days to doing just that. Some seem really interesting. Eg Druid sticks.

 

Numerology has never interested me, but there are a number there I intend to take a good look at s they do have my interest.

 

Thanks!

 

DND :thumbsup:

 

there are a number of flower oracles, nothing new there.

Cavendish art all looks the same, like the Dondi art of the 60's.

(I think I'm taking umbrage at the idea there are no different oracles, pardon my pinched face)

The thought behind the often seen keywords is they are common across time and culture, just like tarot keywords. What we make of them is what makes the difference, we aren't bound by the strictures of tarot.. And the fact that we like buying new decks....

 

my eggs-pression, Pictish, LoJong, Elements of Recovery all present a new eye-view to me. Beverly King artist and publisher. https://bythesycamoretree.blogspot.com/

her daughters druidsticks is another idea.

Have you tried I Ching?

Feng Shui?

Astrology, lots of oracle decks there.

Pure numerology?

Don't know how to spell it but plyligorian oracle?

Falnama Oracle Cards

Chinese Oracle Script?

Oracle of the Dreamtime: Donni Hakanson?

Moon Oracle smith/astrop?

Tea Leaf oracle, hepburn?

Shell oracle, hanson

Do they have to be decks?

Button oracle

how about those junk oracles that were so cool at AT?

Bones?

Crowstones?